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Hospitality

Caring for travelers has been a fundamental element of civilized societies since long before the birth of the hospitality company or the Holiday Inn Express. In ancient Greece, guest rights were one of the few established sets of conventions that were universally accepted amongst diverse cultures within the Greek world. Likewise, stewardship towards guests can be seen extensively in biblical passages. Hospitality did not begin in the Bible or in Greece; it has existed since man first established permanent settlements. Before then, the concept of hospitality could not exist as everyone was nomadic. Ever since, hospitality has become more than an isolated cultural establishment-- but a worldwide occurrence reflective of basic humanity.

In the Dark Ages travelers had little choice except to stay in monasteries that offered food and shelter. Throughout the Middle Ages, local lords would take turns hosting the king and his royal court as they traveled. The idea of hosting travelers was taken even further when trade and commerce began to boom, prompting taverns and inns to arise, especially in ports cities.

Hospitality has since evolved into a highly competitive industry. The word itself has taken on a whole new meaning now that leisure time and travel are available to the masses. Hospitality is no longer just about getting from point A to point B, but also how you get there and how much you enjoy your stay. Tourism has fueled incredible growth throughout the history of the hospitality industry because people love to travel and need a place to stay. Intelligent economic planners have begun to realize the vast potential of the hospitality industry and are keen to take advantage. This means providing for all the wants and needs of potential guests. Accordingly, hospitality has expanded to include entertainment, luxury lodging, dining, etc. It is also beginning to include an activity referred to as "medical tourism." Beyond just traveling to a destination to receive medical treatment, people now choose to include dining options, entertainment, and other activities in their trip.